# Do you have a Cobbler? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 18, 2021, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048 "2021-08-18T00:18:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/21 "2021-08-18T04:48:31Z")
Yes, I do and I use her as needed. Downtown Shoe Repair, which is of course no longer downtown. Less than a mile away from me now. My favorite is to buy a pair of beat up cowboy boots at a thrift store (donated no doubt because the heels were worn down) and take them into her for a makeover. Tony Lama boots, all soft and broken in, practically free. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 9:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/22 "2021-08-18T09:21:32Z")
There’s a combination shoe repair/tailor shop near me. I’ve gone there for various things, but not re-soling shoes. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/23 "2021-08-18T09:45:50Z")
Here in the UK there’s a large chain called [Timpsons](https://www.timpson.co.uk/) which does everything you’d expect from oldy worldy stores, from shoe repairs to key cutting, house signs, trophy engraving, watch repairs and dry cleaning. You find them everywhere, often as an outlet in large supermarkets. They’re a super ethical company, offering career opportunities for former prisoners, and free dry cleaning for interview clothing if you’re on welfare. I have a few leather-soled shoes and boots I get repaired periodically. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/24 "2021-08-18T10:03:42Z")
Yes, yes I did do shoe repair for a number of years. Can hardly do it for myself anymore because I no longer have access to supplies and equipment. And cobblers are getting harder and harder to find. I have a pair of Birkenstocks I haven’t worn in years because they need repair so much. FINALLY found a shoe store willing to do it, although they don’t have a cobbler-in-residence, the guy comes by once a week and you want up to a month to get your shoes back. Far from ideal, but it’s not like they’re going to get repaired otherwise so I put my sandals into the pipeline. Then the manager asked me who did them the last time and I said I did. Then he asked me if I’d like to work there part time and took me into the back to show me their old repair room - yep, they’re old cobbler retired and there wasn’t a replacement. The thing is, I already have a full time gig and that one comes with medical insurance and a retirement plan. And I value my non-work time. Granted I genuinely do enjoy repairing/fixing stuff, but do I want to get back on the shoe repair merry-go-round? All of which explains why it’s a lot harder to find cobblers than it used to be. > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > I had to look it up - the nearest shoe repair shop to me is over 20 miles away. Not that it matters - I wear Skechers - you don’t replace heels and soles on them. I don’t have any hard soled shoes. There are some repairs you can do for sketchers - torn uppers and loose soles being the main ones. I get very frustrated when a sole separates from an upper and the person just tosses the shoes. No no no! A small bottle of superglue and fifteen minutes I can FIX that! Really! > [@SanVito](#): > > They’re a super ethical company, offering career opportunities for former prisoners, and free dry cleaning for interview clothing if you’re on welfare. One of the weird things about shoe repair is that every so often I had a customer who’d ask me why I went to prison. Huh, what? I had no idea that was a career path offered to prisoners. I geuss in some peoples’ minds that morphed into only former career criminals are cobblers, and all cobblers are ex-cons… It’s like back when I worked at a methadone clinic a lot of people assumed I was a recovering addict myself, I guess because they couldn’t imagine anyone else working in such a place…? Probably just as well I don’t spend time in some social circles where clearly my past working history would be seen as shameful even though I’ve never broken the law or had an addiction problem. Then again, I’m also a heathen and politically liberal so I guess I’m just hopeless in some peoples’ eyes. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/25 "2021-08-18T10:47:25Z")
There is a shoe repair place in the nearby city (~5 miles from me)-- I have used it to fix my leather backpack. Brian ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/26 "2021-08-18T13:12:46Z")
I have a cobbler and he’s excellent. I will typically take brand new shoes to him to put on a thin protective sole, or to replace a heel that’s a bit worn. I’ve had him do a full sole replacement on a couple of pairs of my favorite boots, which turned out great. I’m a bit obsessive about my footwear so I don’t mind spending a bit extra to keep it in good condition. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/27 "2021-08-18T13:16:17Z")
A cobbler is no substitute for a good pie. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/28 "2021-08-18T13:24:10Z")
There are at least two within a mile from here. And I need them because it is hard to replace 14 E shoes. They are called cordonnières in French. I imagine that is where cordwainer comes from. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/29 "2021-08-18T13:26:24Z")
When I was a teenager my shoes needed regular repair. The local cobbler would always say, “They’ll be ready next Thursday.” They never were, so he would say, “Come back Monday.” It was years before I realised what he was doing: Many people took shoes in but never collected them. So he only repaired them when he was sure that the customer would return. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/30 "2021-08-18T13:46:04Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > And I need them because it is hard to replace 14 E shoes. You know what they say about big feet? They need big shoes. 😝 ---
**Author:** ![Saintly\_Loser](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saintly_loser/32/4045_2.png) [@Saintly\_Loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saintly_Loser)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/31 "2021-08-18T13:56:27Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > And cobblers are getting harder and harder to find. Not here in NYC. I’m amazed that people don’t get their shoes repaired more often. I know people who just throw out shoes/boots when the soles and heels wear out. For any kind of decently made shoes, the uppers will outlast the soles by _years_, even when the shoes are in heavy use. And that’s especially true if the shoes are properly cared for. And the uppers don’t just outlast the soles, they get better and more comfortable (up until the stitching goes and the leather starts to crack, but that takes a _long_ time). Timberland-style boots can be resoled. Any plain leather shoe can be resoled and reheeled. Even my Clark’s desert boots can be resoled. Obviously sneakers and running shoes are a different story. And I’m not sure about a lot of women’s shoes. Also, your local shoe repair place can usually fix anything made out of leather (and other stuff, too). Luggage, handbags, motorcycle clothing (I’ve had zippers replaced, and abrasions patched), nearly anything. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/32 "2021-08-18T14:55:06Z")
Nah. I always wear some form of hiking shoe/boot or occasionally Keen sandals. When they wear out, they wear out. Nothing you can do for them. I wear the sandals on vacation, or when working on my moms sprinkler system. Sandals just aren’t practical for my lifestyle or where I live. My Wife will wear Sandals though. I do have some dress shoes for weddings and funerals. Thankfully, I only have to wear those about once every two years or so. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/33 "2021-08-18T20:29:18Z")
I dispute this to the very last ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/34 "2021-08-18T20:47:11Z")
> [@N9IWP](#): > > There is a shoe repair place in the nearby city (~5 miles from me)-- I have used it to fix my leather backpack. Back in the day I did a lot of leather repair work, too. Enjoyed it. > [@Saintly\_Loser](#): > > I’m amazed that people don’t get their shoes repaired more often. I know people who just throw out shoes/boots when the soles and heels wear out. Throw away culture. Also, the less people use cobblers the fewer there are. The fewer there are, the less they use them. It becomes a vicious circle. > [@Saintly\_Loser](#): > > And the uppers don’t just outlast the soles, they get better and more comfortable (up until the stitching goes and the leather starts to crack, but that takes a _long_ time). If the stitching goes I can fix that, too. Heck, even without a shop full of tools I can still fix that, and have for a couple people in my current apartment building. Leather cracking? Sometimes it can be stopped, sometimes not. > [@Saintly\_Loser](#): > > I’ve had zippers replaced Ugh! Personally, I loathe doing zippers. Not cost-effective - a lot of time, a fair price for that time puts it out of reach of what most people are willing to pay. > [@enipla](#): > > Nah. I always wear some form of hiking shoe/boot or occasionally Keen sandals. When they wear out, they wear out. Nothing you can do for them. Um… actually a LOT of hiking shoes and boots can be repaired. You’re right about the Keen’s, though. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/35 "2021-08-18T22:39:08Z")
I follow a Youtube channel for a pair of brothers/cobblers here in Middle TN. They stay very busy. I don’t know why I enjoy their channel so much - I’m not a big fan of shoes, but it’s just so interesting. The one brother started a part-time business doing shoe-shining as a pickup and delivery service in downtown Nashville. Business was booming, and then a local shoe repair place was going out of business and he apprenticed with the owner and bought it. His brother was a teacher who ended up joining the business. [Trenton & Heath](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVYlC0HmT9eZI3ZrFy_xthQ) StG ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/36 "2021-08-19T13:43:27Z")
I’m familiar with that channel. I found the videos strangely relaxing when I have trouble falling asleep. Something satisfying in seeing a pair of shoes restored to almost new. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/37 "2021-08-19T15:07:00Z")
I’ve been wearing Ecco shoes for the past decade or more, and they’re very comfortable shoes for walking in, partly because they have rubber soles ([Vibram](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibram) or something like that), not leather like traditional dress shoes. The downside is that after a few years, the rubber cracks and breaks and the shoes need to be resoled or replaced. So I’ve had them resoled; there’s a company in San Diego that will do that, including cleaning and reconditioning the uppers. But last year, when I sent in a pair for this service, they sent them back saying that the sort of sole on that shoe was unrepairable. This was not a huge problem as the cost was $80 and even full price, these shoes only cost about $150 (and can be gotten for less), so I’m willing to accept that these shoes are only going to last a few years. (BTW, regarding the San Diego location; I wonder if the mailing address is in San Diego, but they have an actual workshop across the border.) ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/38 "2021-08-19T15:58:13Z")
My daily wear shoes are cheap, so I replace them when they fall apart. My recreational water shoes, Tevas, and the like are more expensive and they last longer, but buy the time they are falling apart I replace them. ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/39 "2021-08-19T16:12:29Z")
I have a nice pair of Weejuns that I’ve had resoled two or three times. I also polish them annually. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2021, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048/40 "2021-08-19T17:25:50Z")
The Allen Edmonds shoe factory is not far from my home, I take my Allen Edmonds that need repair to them. I’ve had some of those shoes for over two decades. They fit like comfy old slippers and still look great. For my non-AE footware, we do go to the local cobbler in the village near our home. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-a-cobbler/949048.md?page=3)